Post by Lord Silver on Dec 18, 2016 10:42:57 GMT -8

During the reign of Galainir, the North of Garheim was evacuated due to the threat of the Dragon Knights. Most of the town around Silverstone Keep, along with the castle's inhabitants, were taken through a mountain pass to a fortified area among the northern mountains. Save ten veteran knights, that is, with blue helms and the white/blue checkered shield of the Royal Garhim Army. Camping at the foot of this pass, these ten knights held off the Dragon Knights for a few months. One by one, they fought to the death against the Dragon Knights until only two remained when the Garhim reinforcements came form the south.

Now, today, the Blue Deaths are picked from a wide variety of veteran knights, but only when a previous one dies or retires from service. Named for their blue helmets, painted in honor of those ten, and their willingness to fight to the death without surrendering, taking an oath to defend Garheim to the death. Two companies at a time patrol Garheim, one honorarily defending the pass and the other as an elite squadron used in the most dire battles. Each company is led by two commanders who split the company into two squads if needed.

Enjoy!

Also, quick question: Has the castle entry been enxtended, or is it still due today? I only see two or three entries, yet a lot more have said they have a castle entry, so I'm just curious (and I'd like an extension, even if only by a week or so).

Post by thedonald13 on Dec 18, 2016 17:02:46 GMT -8

Ronnet Oresbane of White Desert and his regiment of Red Helms. Each of the party patrols the Southern Reach to stem the tide of wandering Outlaws into Loreesi lands. 20 Mounted archers and 10 lancers are near impossible to counter in the open lands of the South.

The legend of the Red Helms is that during the Ork civil wars their unit cut down so many of the Green Skins that their helms were soaked in the blood of the slain and they have kept the tradition up ever since.

Loreos is most known for it's cavalry, but they can bring to bear ground troops to support extendend campaigns. One of the largest garrisons is based at Northgate Reserve a facility on the North side of Stowburn mountain.

Northgate Reserve has been a bastion of Loressi defense in the Northeast. She has seen her fair share of sieges, but she has never been taken. In times of war and invasion the local population flocks to her protective bosom for safety.

Lord Stout is currently the steward of garrison and his Son Gerrick leads the Stowburn Pride, the Cavalry arm of their forces. Together they take their men out for maneuvers and training.

Post by Cuahchic on Dec 18, 2016 18:22:57 GMT -8

Cream of the Crop entry / Loreos

If you have a king's ransom to spare, and you want the best bodyguards money can buy, then the Taciturn should be top of the paranoid lord's wish list.

Unquestioning slave soldiers, the Taciturn earned their unusual name as they have their tongues removed so that any secrets they overhear while guarding the palace cannot be repeated. With a secret hand code that only they and their trainers know, it's difficult for them to be bought by rivals hoping to end their owner's life prematurely.

Here the slave masters discuss the latest regiment to complete their training before being sold to a local lord.

Post by The Brothers of Torith on Dec 18, 2016 18:55:38 GMT -8

Loreos/Biggnete, Champions of War

Jerrick the Indomitable and the Black Guard

"The Black Guard is made up of the best and the worst Loreos has to offer, its ranks are filled with both knights of noble decent and savage mercenaries. The Black Guard are the elite protectors of the noble families of Loreos and are know most for their golden blades and ruthless tactics in battle. Members of the Black Guard have often been mistaken for outlaws by other Loreesi troops, these assumptions often lead to a brief but bloody confrontations between the two Loreesi units, which has earned the Black Guard a fierce some reputation in the Loreesi army."

Post by Jayden & Moira on Dec 18, 2016 20:19:54 GMT -8

Champions of War:

The pungent religious dedication in historic Garheim has become less influential in the new modern government, but it is no less relied upon in the lives of Garhim smallfolk. Now, with Roawia more unified than in memorable history under an unnaturally powerful King, new foreign religions have begun to enter Garheim. Bob the Gothi, Dolchstag’s religious leader, has become dismayed by Garheim’s division of faith. Without any correlation, Bob has uncovered something remarkable. A document in old Runic, ages older than Roawia herself, buried alongside a pile of dust once resembling a skeleton. This of course was contained within a stone sarcophagus found within a crumbling barrows that inexplicably collapsed killing Bob’s assistant, the only other witness to these mysterious occurrences, before the discovery could be announced. More importantly, this document describes two glorious heroes. The reincarnations of the ancient gods of life and death. A man and woman destined to balance each other and bring prosperity back to Garheim and her people. Bob has declared Colwyn and Dare to be that deistic pair regardless of the lack of evidence. In order to prove their dedication, Bob has declared the necessary proof to be a pilgrimage to the runestone atop Mount Ridi. Colwyn, now anointed Berserkir, a holy warrior relying on the gods for protection, is required to climb the mountain bare-foot and bare-chested. This journey will truly test not only their strength but also their resolve. Courage, honor, glory; for Garheim!

Commanded by their fearsome leaders, the townspeople have decided to ambush the approaching forces. Ebenezer, the cowardly false-leader that he is, has chosen to lock himself within his glorified tower house and call for the help of royal soldiers to control the rebellious people. In fact, Ebenezer’s terrified face and mop of red hair can be seen from the highest tower window. The only way to get through the town to the tower castle is across the exposed causeway, and Dare had schemed an ingenious plan. Carefully positioned on each side of the land bridge, the townsfolk surrounded the marching troops, who had no idea of what was lurking below them. The townsfolk were armed and ready to pounce at any signal with their axes, knives, and tools. As these newfound soldiers slowly crept over the slopes of the causeway, the army tasked with protecting their rich leader marched on, not knowing that they will not make it to the end of the path. Under these circumstances, it comes into question who the best men truly are. Courage, honor, glory; for Garheim!

Post by thecornerbuilder on Dec 18, 2016 22:28:18 GMT -8

Ah! But I am even later, Kingdomviewbricks ! After successfully hunting the great green evergreen, I bring you:

The Rock Vipers!GCXIV – Champions of War

Trent Ruggenale leads the Rock Vipers of Falkenborg. He is a hardy mountain dweller with a great deal of respect for his northern neighbors. His band of hardy adventurers work hard patrolling the high mountain passes between Garheim and Lenfald. In better times they held running bets with the Mountain Goats over sporting feats, typically involving great physical strength and daring.

Trent is a no nonsense leader with a cheerful outlook on life. He is determined to get the best from his men, even if it means pushing them hard. Arden is a cool, calm, and collected warrior who says little but sees and hears everything. Descended from immigrants, he has an exotic complexion and a fascination for equally exotic weapons. Galen is the lookout man. He is a natural born tracker with an eagle eye for detail and an expert shot. Wallice young and cocky, determined to meet Trent's expectations. He brings a fresh perspective to just about any situation and does everything with a smile.And the Mountain Goats!GCXIV – Wildcard – Champions of War – Garheim

Bradwel Reistad is the leader of Ugleheim's Mountain Goats, a local group of border patrollers know for being where they are not expected. Of late they have been kept very busy stopping unauthorized shipments of Lenfald lumber going one way and food stuffs going the other. In better times they were known to have a friendly rivalry with Trent Ruggenale's Rock Vipers.

Bradwel is known for favoring a double bladed ax and swinging it threateningly over his head while grinning broadly to intimidate smugglers. His younger brother Grant has a booming laugh to go with his powerful sense of humor. Their cousin Urlan is rather timid when it comes to social interaction, but he is great being a distraction while the others sneak up behind. He is also the voice of caution when they are contemplating something potentially dangerous. Shem is the white haired old devil who likes long knives and strident music. His chief pleasure comes from scaring the living daylights out of unsuspecting smugglers by sneaking close to them and playing his bagpipe.

Since the outrageous tariffs on goods entering and leaving Lenfald were instituted by King Chartes this relationship has been strained and both sides are left feeling unhappy and determined to do their duty. As these groups build up their strength and defenses for a war neither wants, they sadly consider the best ways to defeat the other if called to do so. Knowing that whatever happens, nothing will be the same.

Post by ludzik on Dec 19, 2016 1:09:42 GMT -8

gong - I just realized that I forgot to upload from my comp the image with logo/banner for each entry.... any kind soul can help me out? I'm traveling with just my phone which makes image editing nearly impossible!

(Scrolling through entries I see that I'm not the only one that forgot)

Post by Ayrlego on Dec 19, 2016 1:18:04 GMT -8

Alright, so unless there is anyone out in the middle of the Pacific, entries for GC XIV are now closed. (If you have just missed out PM me and I'm sure we can work something out....)

GREAT JOB everyone! We had a huge 55 entries in this GC and an index of the builds can be found in the first post of this thread.

Participation points are as below. Please feel free to check my calculations and let me know if you think there is a mistake. One exception is I have taken the liberty of entering a bignette entry for Drakkvonlego which was posted to Flickr but never made it to the thread. Drak is clearly very busy planning for his new life in the tropics!!!

It was a very close race between Loreos and Lenfald this time round. I thought Loreos had it until two certain Lenfels posted their entries last minute!

Remember it's not over yet! Category winners and total votes now have a greater say in determining the winner - As you may recall:

- Points for winning a category equals 10

- Points for winning the most total votes equals 10

- Points for coming in second for votes equals 5 points

So over to the factions to select their representative builds in each category. DO NOT INCLUDE the wildcard entries. We shall all vote for a wildcard winner in a poll I will set up here shortly. A representative from each faction should post their finalists here.

Also as there are only 5 unrestricted builds, I also propose we all vote on all five here. I don't really see a need for Lenfald to choose between their two entries - What say you all?

Again a huge well done to everyone. There are some fantastic entries here and the voting will be difficult as usual!

Post by Ayrlego on Dec 19, 2016 1:22:15 GMT -8

gong - I just realized that I forgot to upload from my comp the image with logo/banner for each entry.... any kind soul can help me out? I'm traveling with just my phone which makes image editing nearly impossible!

(Scrolling through entries I see that I'm not the only one that forgot)

That's OK, we can wavier the digital banner requirement, although when/if you get a chance replacing the existing images with ones with banners is great advertising for LoR